Gerald M. Boodoo, Ph.D.

Nigeria

Nigeria is currently experiencing its longest period of civilian rule since it gained independence in 1960. After nearly 16 years of military rule, a new constitution was adopted in 1999 and a peaceful transition to civilian government was completed.

The government continues to face the daunting task of reforming a petroleum-based economy, whose revenues have been squandered through corruption and mismanagement and institutionalizing democracy. Poverty is an issue impacting most of the population; about 70 percent of Nigerians live below the poverty line. Nearly 70 percent of the people are literate, though most children stop schooling at age 9.

Nearly 44 million Nigerians use the internet and 73.1 million own cell phones.

Nigeria is Africa's most populous country and is composed of more than 250 ethnic groups. Because it was a British colony, its official language is English.

The country has a mixed legal system of English common law, Islamic Law and traditional law. About half of the population is Muslim, 40 percent is Christian and 10 percent hold indigenous beliefs.